Hey Dr. Su Fam!
Ever tried watering your plants and noticed how too little makes them wilt... but too much drowns them? Skincare and haircare work in a surprisingly similar way.
It's not just what ingredients are in your serum or shampoo — it's also how much of them are actually there, and how much you’re using. The right dosage (aka the right concentration + correct amount applied) is a game-changer when it comes to getting real results without irritation or disappointment.
Let’s break it down together.
What Does “Dosage” Actually Mean?
In skincare and haircare, "dosage" usually refers to:
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The concentration of an active ingredient in the product (like how much niacinamide is in your serum), and
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How much of that product you apply (like how many drops you use each time).
Think of it like baking a cake. You can’t just eyeball the baking powder — too little and it flops, too much and it tastes weird. The same logic applies to your skin. A serum might have a superstar ingredient, but if it’s too diluted (or if you’re using way too little), it probably won’t do much. Too much, and your skin might get irritated instead of glowing.
Why Using Too Little Can Fall Flat
We’ve all heard the phrase “a little goes a long way,” right? Sadly, that’s not always true with actives.
Patchy Application = Patchy Results
Let’s say you’re using a serum with peptides for firmness. If you apply just one teeny drop for your whole face, chances are some areas are getting nothing at all. The skin doesn’t absorb ingredients evenly if the layer is too thin — you end up with what we call the “hills and valleys” problem.
Low Concentration = No Real Impact
Some products use buzzworthy ingredients in amounts so tiny they might as well not be there. If your niacinamide serum has 0.5% instead of the proven 2%, you won’t get the brightening or oil-balancing benefits you’re expecting. It’s like cleaning dishes with soap that's 90% water — it just doesn’t work.
Why Using Too Much Can Backfire
On the flip side, more isn’t always better. Overdoing it with some activities can cause real issues.
Sensitivity & Irritation
Using too much glycolic acid, retinol, or even vitamin C can lead to redness, stinging, or peeling. Your skin has a limit to how much it can tolerate — push it too hard, and you’ll end up breaking your barrier instead of fixing it.
Overstimulation
Your skin and scalp can only absorb so much. Overloading with too many actives or aggressive treatments can disrupt the natural balance, leading to sensitivity, inflammation, or barrier damage — doing more harm than good.
Product Clash & Pilling
Ever layered multiple serums and ended up with weird white flakes on your face? That’s called “pilling.” It often happens when too many formulas with active ingredients interact poorly — or when you’re applying too much at once. Not only does it feel annoying, but it wastes product and ruins your routine.
A Quick Example Using Serum
Let’s say you’re exploring a hair growth serum that contains Redensyl.
- Formula A: 0.5% Redensyl
- Formula B: 3% Redensyl
While 0.5% might sound gentle, it’s simply not enough to deliver meaningful results. Studies show that 3% is the clinically validated concentration needed for real hair growth benefits. Anything significantly lower may not make a difference — no matter how promising the ingredient sounds.
This same logic applies to ingredients like retinoids, niacinamide, AHAs, or plant-based actives — efficacy lies in using the right, research-backed dosage, not just including the ingredient for label appeal.
Don’t Let Long Ingredient Lists Fool You
Sometimes, more isn’t... more. A product with 20 fancy ingredients might sound impressive, but what matters is how much of each one is actually doing something.
When Too Many Actives Collide
When you mix too many incompatible ingredients, the formula can destabilize in performance. That means your serum might not absorb well, or the ingredients might work against each other — leading to irritation, sensitivity, or even a damaged skin barrier. More isn’t always better when it comes to actives.
Label Tricks to Watch For
Terms like "brightening complex" or "botanical blend" sound impressive — but without clear ingredient breakdowns or percentages, they can be misleading. At Dr. Su, we’re committed to full disclosure of key actives used, so you know exactly what (and how much) you're putting on your skin or scalp.
How to Read Product Labels Like a Pro
Want to level up your skincare knowledge? Here’s what to look for:
✔️ Check for percentages — Transparent brands often list how much of the main active ingredient is inside.
✔️ Know the clinically effective range — For example, 2% niacinamide or 0.1% retinol are known to work.
✔️ Prioritize regulated claims — For sunscreen, things like SPF, PA, or PPD ratings matter.
✔️ Look for study-backed claims — If a brand references research behind an ingredient and its concentration, that's a good sign.
The Dr. Su Difference
At Dr. Su, we don’t just chase trendy ingredients — we formulate products that actually work, at the research-backed dosages. That means every drop is optimized for your skin or scalp, backed by science and not marketing gimmicks.
We combine evidence-based nutrition, skin science, and clean actives in every product — with full transparency. No mystery blends. No diluted claims. Just formulas that perform.
Where to Explore Next
Skincare and haircare don’t need to be overwhelming. It’s not just about what goes in — it’s about how much and how it's used. When you understand dosage, you shop smarter and get better results.
So next time you apply a serum, think of it like watering your favorite plant — not too little, not too much, just the right amount.
Here’s to informed beauty, balanced formulas, and healthy skin + hair.